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Music Lesson Reviews from Students

Students are raving about their Music instructors on TakeLessons.
Check out some of these recent reviews.

Review by Kitty

"So far, so good !!"

Albany, NY teacher:
Amber W.

Review by Richard

"Wonderful teacher, very knowledgeable about classical piano, very patient with high expectations for improvement from her students. I would highly recomm

end Polina for piano lessons for students of all ages. I thoroughly enjoyed my lessons and learned a lot."

...

Albany, NY teacher:
Polina D.

Review by Roslyn

"Polina did a wonderful job teaching my daughter classical piano. She picked music that played to my daughter's strengths and brought her playing to a whol

e new level. She instilled a love of music and learning that continues now that she's in college."

...

Albany, NY teacher:
Polina D.

Review by Andrew

"Best teacher ever, patient , talented and knowledgeable."

Albany, NY teacher:
Polina D.

Review by Roopa

"We are so lucky to have found an amazing piano instructor for my 7 yr old in Niskayuna, NY. Polina is an extremely talented musician and is a wonderful t

eacher. She is patient and brings out the very best in her student. Polina can clearly identify the strengths and weaknesses and gives clear instructions and directions to overcome the weaknesses and improve one's technique. My son enjoys going to his piano lessons and each lesson is very exciting, rewarding and fun! I wish I could give more than 5 stars!!"

...

Albany, NY teacher:
Polina D.

Review by Beth

"It was delightful to meet Polina. She has given me a lot to work on to truly refine my playing. I look forward to working with you."

Albany, NY teacher:
Polina D.

Review by Fan

"Polina inspires me on different genres, articulation on Bach WTK, flowing and rubato on Debussy, and joyful expression on Mozart, etc"

Albany, NY teacher:
Polina D.

Review by Ariannah

"I was very impressed with Polina professionalism and how friendly she was. It was my daughter first lesson and she loved it. I would highly recommend Po

About Damien S.

About Damien

Orlando-based composer and guitarist Damien has made a name for himself as a writer of scores for film, theater and dance productions.;A graduate of Music Composition at SUNY Purchase (New York) and Musicology at the University College of Dublin (Ireland). Years of touring internationally and score writing has given Damien the experience and work ethic to share his musical knowledge and abilities with others. Producing 4 cds and appearing on countless others' cds and compilations; Damien can share not only his musical/theoretical talents, but his experience in producing, recording, writing, and performing live.

*** Lesson Details ***Damien is a very patient and moderately, laid back teacher. He will teach what you want to learn, yet give you suggestions on other avenues to approach. Basics lead to complete knowledge of any subject. S

tarting from the beginning of what a student knows and moving forward step by step will only lead to perfection in their lessons. Having fun doing this, is the only way to keep a student focused and progressing. Enjoyment is the number one focus of Damien's lessons. If a student isn't enjoying and having fun with their lessons then they will not progress.Damien teaches ages of 5-99. You are never too young or old to learn. Damien's main focus is guitar and music theory

*** Travel Equipment ***I would expect the student to provide their own guitar (if necessary) and a notebook I have private parking for my students, so they don't have to worry about parking, ever !*** Specialties ***I have been taught, on a college level, of classical, jazz, ethnic musics. I specialize in guitar, theory, composition.

...

Reviews

Austin R. October 5, 2017·Banjo·In studio

Damien is extremely professional and does an excellent job explaining the fundamentals. As Albert Einstein said, "If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough." Damien has a way of explaining concepts so they are easily understood and retained, even for more complex subjects.

Jack C. August 21, 2017·Banjo·Online

Learned more about music in just an hour than I ever did in the past.

Eryn June 12, 2017·Banjo·In studio

So patient and funny! Just had my first lesson and can't wait to come back.

Joe D.

Joe D.

About Polina D.

About Polina

I am an experienced classical pianist with honorable degrees obtained from the most prestigious musical institutions in the world - State Academy of Music (Russian conservatory of music) located in Minsk, Belarus, as well as The College of Saint-Rose, Albany, New York, Unites States. Piano has been my main area of concentration since I was five years old, so I consider myself to be a top professional in the music field.

I really enjoy working with highly motivated students and welcome various ages and levels. I have worked both with professional musicians and beginner level music enthusiasts. As a teacher and piano soloist, I have worked in various countries including Russia, Italy, France and the United States. My international teaching experience has been showing wonderful results, and I am proud of my students winning the highest p

laces in the international auditions, competitions and festivals worldwide.

My thoroughly developed teaching method is built on the best combination of Russian and European traditions in music education, and it is intended to build and advance skills in reading, technique, theory, to enrich music appreciation by exploring compositions of variety of styles and genres, to discover the internal abilities and approach to an instrument, and master performing techniques.

...

Reviews

Sky December 28, 2017·Classical Voice·Online

Polina is wonderful and friendly. My daughter has loved her lessons and has been more confident with singing since she started.

Ella Y. December 1, 2017·Classical Piano·Online

Wonderful first online lesson for my daughter! My daughter had been taking local lessons for a while but had to abandon them due to other commitments. Polina's methods and instruction in the first lesson have already exceeded our expectations. I feel our daughter will start progressing much faster now and start appreciating classical music under Polina's guidance.

Fan November 19, 2017·Classical Piano·In studio

Polina inspires me on different genres, articulation on Bach WTK, flowing and rubato on Debussy, and joyful expression on Mozart, etc

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Polina D.

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Polina D.

Schenectady, NY 12305

(47)

starting at

$35
/ 30-min

About Amber W.

About Amber

I have been teaching private lessons since 2008, but have been studying music since I was only 4 with non stop private and in school lessons. I now have my Bachelor's degree in Music education and am working toward my Masters in Music performance and Instruction. I love working with my students. Watching them succeed at what they do is what makes my day great. I always love to have a fun atmosphere around me and enjoy every minute it. Music is great for self expression a great Escape or an easy pass-time. It's nothing that should be stressful, but the opposite and that is what my lessons aim to do. Provide an educational, but fun and expressive learning experience to carry with you or your child throughout your lives.

...

Reviews

Tyrese P. November 3, 2017·Saxophone·In studio

Amber is nice. I can tell she has a lot of knowledge and i can tell she cares for her students.She is very easy to approach with questions or concerns. I cant wait for my next lesson

Kitty December 5, 2016·Piano·In studio

So far, so good !!

Greg H. December 1, 2016·Violin·In studio

Amber is really patient with a new student. I'm glad to be her student.

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Amber W.

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Amber W.

Schenectady, NY 12302

(7)

starting at

$25
/ 30-min

About Mike M.

About Mike

Mike has been providing private lessons in the bay area since 2006 and is currently offering in-home and online lessons. Whether you are completely new to drumming or looking to hone your skills in preparation for joining an ensemble, Mike will work with you to achieve your musical goals.

...

Reviews

Chris February 5, 2018·Drum·In home

Started my lessons with Mike having some previous experience, but still a beginner. He broadened my knowledge on styles and helped me get to the point to where I was able to join a band and start gigging.

DeiyJuan January 16, 2018·Drum·In studio

A couple of friends and I had a music idea, but didn't know how to execute it correctly. We went to Mike, and he crafted the perfect drum pattern for us to record to. Mike also gave us a cool direction for the song as well. He's extremely knowledgeable on musical instruments and very patient with whoever he's working with. I highly recommend Mike as a teacher!

Chad C. January 9, 2018·Drum·In home

So far, so good! We are excited to continue learning. Mike has been great and professional so far!

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Mike M.

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Mike M.

Online

(5)

starting at

$35
/ 30-min

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About Pedro T.

About Pedro

Hi there! I have a BA in Music focused on percussion, voice and conducting. I have sang in choirs, opera choirs and small ensambles. As a soloist, I have been invited to sing with choirs and in the opera stage. I have also had the oportunity to travel to different countries singing opera as part of the opera choir for productions here in the United States, the Caribbean, Europe and Japan. I have been teaching and coaching voices for 15 years and have taught in Puerto Rico and in Vienna, Austria. Watching my students grow everytime they take a lesson is what I enjoy most! No matter their level, I help all my students develop great technique in order to free their voices and sing properly. I guarantee that you'll learn all the tools required to achieve your best as a singer and performer.

...

Reviews

Ivonne December 30, 2017·Classical Voice·In studio

Pedro Tirado is a gifted, insightful voice teacher/coach. He knew exactly what was hindering my vocal development and how to correct it. His explanations were clear and on point. Within only a few lessons my voice was significantly healthier, it was bigger and more flexible. He got me to sing up to an E6, five notes I didn't know I had after a lifetime of choral singing, mostly as a soprano. Although I had taken voice lessons before, I made more progress in three months with Pedro Tirado than I made in an entire year with another teacher. If you want to uncover your voice's full potential, go to Pedro.

Gilmarie December 20, 2017·Vocal Training·In studio

He will guide you and teach you what you need. The posture, the way you need to breath, the way you're supposed to "stretch" your voice, the exercises you need to practice and many more things. I started not knowing anything and singing horribly but he taught me that you need to trust in yourself and you need to let your voice just flow, don't hold it back. Believe it or not, your voice has a personality, that was something he always told me. Let him mold you and teach you what he knows. He's the best teacher ever. If you have the opportunity to take classes with him, I suggest you do so. You're gonna be surprised not only with him but with yourself. He's kind, humble, hardworking and a great person overall.

Karen December 13, 2017·Vocal Training·In home

Excellent teacher with a lots of experience. He works his classes based on your needs and interests. He really knows how to work with your voice!!

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Pedro T.

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Pedro T.

Online

(6)

starting at

$50
/ 60-min

About Neil M.

About Neil

Neil Maxa, a native of Chicago, started his musical career in the pubic school system in the Chicago area. After his developmental years, performing with the Catholic Youth Organization concert and marching bands, he achieved modest acclaim by being selected to the Illinois Music Education Association All-State Jazz Band.After high school, he went to the School of Music at Western Michigan University located in Kalamazoo, Michigan. There, along with the WMU jazz orchestra, he backed such artists as John Faddis, Red Rodney, David Liebman and Bobby Brookmeyer. The jazz orchestra performed at the Montreaux-Detroit Jazz Festi- val and also competed at the Notre Dame Collegiate Jazz Festival. While at WMU, Neil earned a Bachelor of Music in Trombone Performance.Soon after graduation, Neil followed his musical instinct to Las Vegas, where he

would get first-hand learning and playing experience with the legendary jazz trombonist, Carl Fontana. While in Las Vegas, he enrolled at the University of Las Vegas and played in its award-winning Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Frank Gagliardi. While playing at UNLV, Neil was selected "The Most Outstanding College Performer" at the Downbeat Musicfest in 1990. The Jazz Ensemble also won "The Most Outstanding Jazz Band" award at the festival. While at UNLV, Neil performed with such jazz artists as Bobby Shew, Don Menza, Richie Cole, Snookey Young, Joe Romano, Frankie Capp, Carson Smith, Bob Florence and the great jazz singer, Joe Williams.Since 1988, Las Vegas has been home for Neil. He has freelanced every major celebrity showroom in town, backing such acts as Tony Bennett, Lady Gaga, Paul Anka, The Temptations, The Buckinghams, The O'Jays, The Righteous Brothers, Boyz II Men and Paul Shaffer. His production show credits include "Enter the Night", "Legends in Concert", "American Superstars", "The Rat Pack is Back", "At the Copa", "Chicago" and "Steve Wynn's Showstoppers".Neil is a regular member of several of Las Vegas bands, including his own band "The Groove Brothers", "The Dirty with Franky Perez" and is a long time member of "The Lon Bronson All-Star Band" who perform on a regular basis at Myron's Cabaret Jazz at The Smith Center.

...

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Neil M.

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Neil M.

Online

starting at

$59
/ 30-min

About Michael C.

About Michael

Hi, Im a sound engineer at Rittenhouse Soundworks in Philadelphia, originally from London where I honed my craft working in a variety of different studios. Engineering and sound is my absolute passion and I want to share that with you!

...

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Michael C.

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Michael C.

Online

starting at

$50
/ 45-min

About Melanie C.

About Melanie

As a professional flutist, I've performed with orchestras, and do a lot of chamber music, including new music. I've performed with piano, guitar, harp for both Celtic and classical, cello, woodwind quintet, string quartet, choirs, jazz piano trio, and free improvisation with cello and bass. I graduated from SUNY Fredonia for music performance and music education, and got my Master's degree in flute performance from the Hartt School of music.

My philosophy of teaching: I teach music because it is unique and necessary. Students learn best in a relaxed, nurturing environment. I believe in order to successfully teach, I need to be encouraging, and truly care about the students. My goal is to always have the students improve. To do this, I think students need a well-balanced diet of tone (Moyse De la Senorite can be used), technique (

scales for younger students, Maquarre Daily Exercises or Taffanel and Gaubert Daily Excercises for more advanced students), etudes (Melodious and Progressive Studies), and pieces (I consult the NYSSMA manual for appropriate pieces for the students level). Having taken Alexander Technique, I strongly emphasize posture so that students can use their bodies in the most efficient way. Individualized instruction allows for teachers to cater to the needs of the student, challenging the students without frustrating them. Everyone is unique and learns at different rates, so no two lessons will ever be the same. I teach students how to practice, so that they can progress outside of the 30 min. or hour long lesson. As for performance standards, I have used rubrics for tone, technique, articulation, phrasing, and breathing. Once strengths and weaknesses are assed, I create a plan to help the student improve, which is what students and teachers want to hear.

...

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Melanie C.

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Melanie C.

Schenectady, NY 12308

starting at

$32
/ 30-min

About Will H.

About Will

Great teacher for students of all ages and levels! With a degree in Music Industry, and over 10 years as a professional drummer, Will is the perfect teacher to make your dreams of being a an amazing drummer a reality.

Will has a background in countless genres of music: Rock, Hip Hop, Jazz, Classical, Funk, Latin and more!

In addition Will has an extensive background in music theory as well as an industry professional working at a local label. Not only will you learn how to be a great drummer, but you will learn how to develop your skills to the collegiate and/or professional level!

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